8-Day Croatia Road Trip from Rijeka traveling east to Zadar and Zagreb

Your road trip adventure in Croatia begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Rijeka has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible City Clock Tower. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,256 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, Konoba Tarsa. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,076 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka is Barbacoa. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,487 customers.

Locals recommend Konoba Fiume as one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 933 customers.

Rijeka also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is The Beertija Klub. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,087 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Rijeka is Pajol bar Pecine. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 644 customers.

Locals also enjoy Bar Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 625 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Croatia!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rijeka has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Rijeka by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Rijeka. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Rijeka, like the extraordinary Trsat Castle. This attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,964 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Rijeka is the spectacular Church of Mary of God of Trsat. This attraction is a church and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,415 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,024 visitors.

Islamic Center of Rijeka is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This mosque is a popular destination among visitors in Rijeka. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 906 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Rijeka does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Rijeka on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Croatia, be sure to eat at Boonker, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,735 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Rijeka is the popular Bistro Mornar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,156 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Rijeka is King’s Caffe food pub. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,389 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, River is one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,197 customers.

Pet Jedan Tapas Bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Rijeka. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Rijeka is Pub "Bačva". Pub "Bačva" has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 781 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Rijeka!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Rijeka, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Rijeka.

Today you'll explore the city of Rijeka. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Forum Square. This incredible attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,697 visitors.

Temple of Augustus is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Rijeka. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,656 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Rijeka is Pula Arena. This amazing attraction is a roman amphitheatre and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 57,714 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Rijeka.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Rijeka, like Submarine Burger Rijeka. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,653 customers.

Maslina is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Rijeka. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,219 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Rijeka, Phanas Pub Rijeka est.2001. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 753 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Public pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 521 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zadar. You’ll stay in Zadar for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Rijeka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Rijeka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Plaža Prva Draga. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,065 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Nehaj Fortress. This fortress and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,440 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Northern Velebit National Park to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Northern Velebit National Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,487 visitors.

The lovely Nikola Tesla Memorial Center is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,826 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Rijeka has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zadar. Zadar offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restoran 4 Kantuna. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,300 reviews.

The remarkable Konoba Rafaelo is another top restaurant in Zadar we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Pet Bunara Dine & Wine is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,856 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zadar, the fantastic Deja Brew Pub Zadar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 735 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful BackStage Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Harbor CookHouse & Club. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Zadar, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 1 night left in Zadar.

Today you'll explore the city of Rijeka. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Church of St. Donatus. This incredible attraction is a church building and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,543 visitors.

The Land Gate is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Rijeka. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,939 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Rijeka is Narodni trg. This amazing attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,370 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Market Zadar. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,413 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Sea organ. This tide organ is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,793 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Croatia to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Zadar.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Zadar, like Trattoria Mediterraneo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 762 customers.

Restoran Bruschetta is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Zadar. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,370 customers.

Locals enjoy Harbor CookHouse & Club, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Zadar. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,272 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Zadar, Beach Bar Bamboo. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like La Famiglia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,083 customers.

The Garden Lounge is another of the best bars in the city of Zadar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,269 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Croatia!

Day 6 of your road trip through Croatia gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Zagreb for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Rijeka is the amazing Bundek. This attraction is a lake that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,007 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park Maksimir. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,435 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Rijeka is the outstanding Stone Gate. This popular city gate and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,469 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Croatia. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Zagreb, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try HERITAGE - Croatian Street Food & Shop, one of the best restaurants in the city of Zagreb. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

After dinner, visit Vintage Industrial Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,500 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Hub Cooltura Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,249 customers.

Alternatively, Mr. Fogg is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Zagreb. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,233 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Croatia!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Rijeka. You’ll stay in Rijeka for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Rijeka’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Rijeka, start your day with a visit to the amazing Ban Josip Jelačić Statue. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,038 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Zagreb Cathedral. This catholic cathedral and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,260 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb to make the most of your road trip across Croatia. The spectacular Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb is a park that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,419 visitors.

The lovely Technical Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,713 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Rijeka has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Rijeka. Rijeka offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Conca d'oro. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,238 reviews.

The remarkable Restoran Spagho is another top restaurant in Rijeka we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,199 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Seafood restaurant Feral is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,111 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Rijeka, the fantastic Kancelarija Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 260 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Celtic Caffe Bard. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 239 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Caffe bar "SAMOVAR". This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 223 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Croatia!

Day 8 of your road trip in Croatia is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Rijeka before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Petar Kružić Stairway is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Rijeka. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 743 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Rijeka and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Croatia.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Rijeka at Restoran Morčić before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Borik Tavern for your last chance at a meal in the city of Rijeka. The Borik Tavern restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 754 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Restaurant Capote y Ole. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 351 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Rijeka. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Croatia!